'People Forgetting That They Have To Protect Themselves From Deadly Covid-19 Virus': Allahabad High Court Reiterates Directions; Seek Strict Enforcement

Taking exception to this, it has reiterated several directions to be observed al across the State, failing which may attract strict action under the Epidemic Diseases Act, and other relevant laws such as the Disaster Management Act.

A Division Bench comprising of Justices Siddhartha Varma and Ajit Kumar observed,

"With the decrease in the number of cases country-wide and also with the decrease in number of corona cases in the city of Prayagraj, we had put our guards down. In the recent past, it has been noticed that the population of State of Uttar Pradesh as also the Administration, being guided by the fact that the number of cases were lessening, had reduced the strictness visa-vis the wearing of masks.

We have been informed that life was gradually coming back to normal and people were going back to work etc. It has also been informed that while normalcy was returning people were forgetting that they had to protect themselves from the deadly Covid-19 virus. It has also been informed that marriages and other social functions were taking place without observing any of the guidelines framed by the State Government for Covid-19."

Thus, fearing that the virus might once again engulf the State of UP, it has reiterated the following directions:

• People to observe hundred per cent masking and police to see that one and all wear masks. ["No Person Should be Seen Outside his/ her House Without Mask on Face": Orders Allahabad HC Saying 'If Action Not Taken Today, We Won't Be Able To Face Our Progenies]
• Non-wearing of masks should entail penalties as have been enumerated in the Pandemic Act and other relevant laws.
• Crowding should be stopped with immediate effect. [Social Distancing Seems To Be An 'Empty Shibboleth': Allahabad HC Raps UP Govt]
• The control of number of guests in marriages and other social functions etc should be observed and any violation should be strictly punished.
• Schools and colleges where small children go should not be asked to start physical classes. If, however, for any reason schools are physically functioning then all guidelines issued by the State Government should be followed in letter and spirit. [Covid-19: Allahabad High Court Expresses Concern Over Re-Opening Of Schools In UP]
• Institutions where students above the 10th Class have to compulsorily attend classes, it should be seen that they observe social distancing and that they also wear masks.
• Eateries should see that no food is served in the open, that is to say, people should take covered food in packets and should eat them at their home. [Allahabad HC Issues Instructions To Regulate Restaurants/Eateries Amid Pandemic]
• Within the restaurants, table should be laid in such a manner that social distancing is properly observed.

The directions come in a suo moto PIL registered by the High Court in May 2020, to address Covid-related issues in the State. The instant order assumes relevance as it has come at a time when a new wave of Covid-19 has hit many states.

Case Title: In-Re Inhuman Condition At Quarantine Centres…

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